Thursday, October 3, 2013

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

We love October around Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. Not only because it is time for our annual pumpkin decorating contest, but also because October is National Orthodontic Health Month.

Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment. The AAO has more than 16,000 members, and is the oldest professional association for orthodontist in North America.

October is a month full of hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy treats, and Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would like to encourage patients to be kind to their teeth during treatment. If you have braces, try to avoid carmel, taffy, bubble gum, and candy with nuts. If you can't keep yourself away from the sugar, opt for softer candy, such as peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth treats.

As always, remember to brush every time after you eat, especially after eating sugary snacks and treats. Exposing your teeth to sweets increases your risk of cavities by allowing the sugar to coat the teeth, and increases the possibility of decalcification (permanent white marks) on the teeth.

If you have any questions about what treats are acceptable while in orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.